The beginning of each year is an especially good time to take stock of our blessings and to evaluate our priorities and practices for the months ahead. Consider Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Research shows it takes about 40 days for a habit to form — and it is our hope you make that time in the new year to pray for your child daily. Will 40 days become 365 days? We hope so. “Children are a heritage from the Lord,” Psalm 127:3 says, “offspring a reward from Him.”
At the same time, we know how nice it can be to have language and Bible verses that help us formulate personal and meaningful prayers. We hope these examples of prayers parents can pray for their children enrich your prayer life.
Freedom
Guide my children into truth so they will enjoy genuine freedom.
“…Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
Friendships
Provide my children with friends who are supportive and truthful. Keep them from relationships that would draw them away from You.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Hope and rest
Bathe my children in restful, confident hope as they trust You with their self-worth, relationships, school and learning, and ____ (other concern). May they overflow with Your peace.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 2Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 3For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Confidence in Prayer
Assure my children that you hear their prayers and that You always answer as a caring Father, even when they do not receive what they want.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15
““Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7-11